Historic Florida

Black Caesar was a pirate of some renown who roamed the Florida Keys, or so goes a legend worthy of mention for Black History Month.

Lake Placid has quite a few stories to tell, and they are told in murals. On the walls of 50 buildings. All over town.

This laid-back beach town isn’t famous, but it charms visitors with its funky Florida history, gorgeous beaches and a cute downtown with interesting restaurants and shops.

Camping, kayaking, hiking, biking and a humongous swimming pool are the top features of this state park that straddles the Hillsborough River.

With the best beach in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is a popular stop. As of May, 2022, the Sandspur Campground and the Sandspur Beach have re-opened, four and half years after being smashed by Hurricane Irma. For those who get there quickly, a few nights are available in the next 11 months for the hard-to-get beachfront Sandspur campsites.

There are many hidden islands in the Florida Keys, and some have fantastic stories behind them. There are even a few you can even visit. Here are 6 favorites.

Ponce Inlet is a calm ocean-front town at the tip of a barrier island. It has free parking, a stunning lighthouse, parks, a beach and picturesque places to eat fresh seafood.

There’s a good reason Boca Grande is a favorite among the rich and famous: It’s beautiful, unspoiled and preserves the charm of Old Florida. The good news: It makes a satisfying daytrip, especially on a bike.

The historic agricultural area surrounding the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park offers so many cool experiences — a park where you can see and sample exotic fruits, a historic village of shops and restaurants, a local tropical-fruit winery and famous fruit milkshakes and cinnamon rolls.

Natural beauty makes Riverbend Park a delightful place to explore. Its 10 miles of bike trails are particularly suited to family bicycle outings. It’s also the site of a historic battleground and is where you launch for kayaking the Loxahatchee River.

One of the classic experiences of an Old Florida vacation was a scenic boat tour. Here are nine iconic boat tours. How many of these have you taken?

Three new art museums in St. Petersburg – each built to house extraordinary private collections – make this city a destination no art connoisseur should miss. 

This state park is more natural than it has been for decades. Enjoy the terrific beach and tropical hammock, tour the historic lighthouse, dine at restaurants with great views and walk or bike trails.

Here’s a great weekend getaway for bicyclists. The appealing West Orange Trail, a 22-mile rail-trail, goes right down the middle of the lively main street in Downtown Winter Garden. Stay in the Historic Edgewater Hotel for a great base with Old Florida charm.

Contributing writer Doug Lyons follows a fascinating trail of historic markers to discover Florida Black history, and he invites you to come along for the ride during Black History Month.

Safety Harbor has a rich history in its mineral springs and pioneering citrus industry. This homey outpost on Tampa Bay also has a colorful art scene and diverse eateries.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge, newly reopened, is again a sensation. Its history and scenic beauty make it a great place to walk or bike. The bridge ends at Pigeon Key, which you can tour to learn its fascinating story. We answer many questions about visiting the bridge.